An argument between two coworkers in the oilfields near Derby Acres resulted in attack that left one man with a skull fracture after being struck with a 24-inch wrench and a second man in jail, accused of assault with a deadly weapon.

Deputies and medical aid was summoned to Berry Petroleum property about a mile east of Derby Acres Tuesday morning.

They found the victim identified by Senior Deputy Stephen Wells as Bobby Fitz, 31, of Bakersfield, suffering from a head injury.

Reports from the scene indicated that Fitz suffered an open skull fracture.

He was knocked unconscious for a time, Wells confirmed.

Fitz was airlifted from the scene to Kern Medical Center by helicopter.

Wells said Fitz and the suspect, identified as Bobby Atkison, 46, of Bakersfield, apparently got into a brief argument before Atkison struck Fitz with the wrench.

Atkins fled the scene and was last seen driving a white Ford F-250 pickup, Wells said.

That was just after 10 a.m. in the morning.

About 5:30 p.m.. deputies received a report of a suspicious person at the Buena Vista Golf Course. Than man had no shoes on, Wells said, and the caller thought he might be an escapee from a prison or jail facility.

Deputies responded and found Atkison.

His truck was located about 5 miles away, Wells said.

Atkison was booked into the Sheriff's central receiving facility in Bakersfield. He is being held on $50,000 bail.